It is nice live in a place where dining is not limited to a Red Lobster, TGI Fridays, Applebee’s or whatever is down by the local mini-mall. One great thing about Santa Monica is the diversity of its storefronts, boutiques, and restaurants. A bike ride down Main Street is the best way to see that the big franchises are for the most... Read more →

DOWNTOWN — If you’ve ever wanted to shop at one of Santa Monica’s Farmers’ Markets but are intimidated by the vast selection of produce, have no fear — the chefs are here. The Gourmandise School of Sweets & Savories at Santa Monica Place invites you to sign up for the Follow That Chef series, which features... Read more →

Dear Life Matters, I recently joined LinkedIn at the recommendation of a friend. I am new to the site and am not sure how to use all of its features. Can you please provide me with some recommendations to make the most of my new online endeavor? Thank you, Getting Linked Dear Linked, Online networking sites, liked LinkedIn, can be a great... Read more →

Richard Diebenkorn put Santa Monica’s Ocean Park on the map the world over. Every major museum owns at least one of the iconic paintings in his “Ocean Park Series” — only two own more than one. He worked on them in his studios on Main Street at Ashland Avenue over a 20-year period. There are nearly 500 pieces in the... Read more →

It was a Tuesday night around 6:30. I felt like a steak with a glass of red wine. So I walked into Boa steakhouse on Ocean Avenue and Santa Monica Boulevard. Since it was early on a weekday I figured it wouldn’t be crowded. Was I ever wrong! I had trouble getting in the front door. When I did, a couple of young women (obviously... Read more →

When I asked five of my friends if they were familiar with the Third Street Promenade’s Café Crepe, they all replied “yes.” But when I asked them if they ever stepped inside for some food, the answer was “no.” That was surprising. After all, the corner of Third Street and Broadway is a major focal point... Read more →

A few days ago, Nobel Laureate and Holocaust historian Elie Wiesel appeared on Lawrence O’Donnell’s TV program “The Last Word” to express his outrage at a practice of the Mormon Church. Apparently, according to Wiesel, the church, in the belief that only Mormons can enter the Kingdom of Heaven, has been baptizing... Read more →

Maybe it’s because I grew up in the 1960s, but there’s a peace, love and reconciliation theme, though bittersweet, that resonates as I continue to think about “Simon Boccanegra,” the current Los Angeles Opera production at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. Not only does it boast L.A. Opera’s Artistic Director... Read more →

Dear New Shrink, I would really appreciate your suggestions on how I can make more friends. I only have one good friend, a girlfriend. But not only would I like more girlfriends, I would also like to have friends of the opposite sex. How do I make them, where do people go to find them in this town? Signed, Not Enough Dear Not Enough, I... Read more →

Building your own burger is no longer a novel concept amongst some of the better griddles here in town. Marking off a checklist to customize your burger’s, bun, patty, and toppings, is certainly a fun and interactive way to chow down. Here in Santa Monica no place is better known for this than The Counter on Ocean Park Blvd. So when... Read more →

Dear New Shrink- Can you give me your opinion? I’m 28 years old and I was an athlete; however it did not work out. Do you think I should pursue my bachelor’s degree and finish school? I am working on getting my certification to work as an X-ray technician because it pays well. Let me know. Signed, Former Athlete Dear Former... Read more →

For most people Taco Bell can best be described as nothing more than a guilty pleasure. It has also been pegged as a late night mainstay (hence the company’s “fourth meal” ad campaign) for the drunk, stoned, and struggling dieters that have gone way off the deep end. The idea of “the crazier the better” seems... Read more →

Dear New Shrink, With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, I am becoming increasing nervous because I not only have a feeling but also have been secretly told that my boyfriend is about to propose to me. I am very attracted to and involved with him and am not even sure why I am so nervous. But I have this thought that haunts me, “how... Read more →